Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom?

blippo · 08-14-2009, 09:55 AM

I went by the dealer today to get my Tacoma inspected. They had 2, 2010 Prius on the lot. But I noticed they had a Display board posted near the entrance in the showroom displaying the waiting list with the people's names, salesman name and the the number of people waiting for their specific 2010 Prius they want. 18 of them. What is the purpose of the dealer for having this display posted on the showroom?

jay_man2 · 08-14-2009, 09:59 AM

That's the way my dealer had it when I ordered mine against their allocation 9 weeks ago. I was maybe the 2nd name on the board, and ended up being the first to take delivery at that dealership. At that time they only had one on the lot as a demo unit, and would not sell that one, at least until another one arrived.

I guess it's just to create the impression of high demand so they can sell at or near MSRP as long as possible.

TKY · 08-14-2009, 10:00 AM

Blippo, Did you ask someone at the dealership? What did they say? --TK

blippo · 08-14-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TKY

Blippo, Did you ask someone at the dealership? What did they say? --TK

No, I didn't ask anyone there why they had it displayed.

tumbleweed · 08-14-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blippo

I went by the dealer today to get my Tacoma inspected. They had 2, 2010 Prius on the lot. But I noticed they had a Display board posted near the entrance in the showroom displaying the waiting list with the people's names, salesman name and the the number of people waiting for their specific 2010 Prius they want. 18 of them. What is the purpose of the dealer for having this display posted on the showroom?

I have never been able to figure out why car dealers do some of the things they do. I guess you were suppose to be impressed with the fact they had people waiting in line to buy a Prius. What they can't seem to understand is the fact that people are anxious to buy the car, not because of them, but because of Toyota engineering.

Racedrvr · 08-14-2009, 10:51 AM

Quite a while ago some Harley dealers had waiting lists. (The others charged over MSRP). There had been all kinds of accusations of favoritism and not following "the list". By making the list public it would help to quiet accusations of someone butting in line. It also has the effect of making people take notice of the supply/demand picture which helps the dealer justify the pricing policies.

spwolf · 08-14-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racedrvr

Quite a while ago some Harley dealers had waiting lists. (The others charged over MSRP). There had been all kinds of accusations of favoritism and not following "the list". By making the list public it would help to quiet accusations of someone butting in line. It also has the effect of making people take notice of the supply/demand picture which helps the dealer justify the pricing policies.

pretty much, so you are aware that nobody is telling you crap to make you buy vehicle on the lot.

The Electric Me · 08-14-2009, 11:14 AM

I would say the purpose of the list is at least two fold. Probably is a legitimate tool, for the uninformed that might come to the lot expecting their Prius to be sitting and waiting. Salesmen can point to the list and explain why they won't be satisfied that same day.

Secondly, the impression or reality of demand, creates more demand. Consumers are often like sharks, if "everyone" is chomping on a certain product they swarm and circle.

For the salesman and the dealerships the reality is the reality. They want to sell you a car. Illustrating demand doesn't hurt. If you REALLY want The Prius you get yourself on the list...a potential sale for the dealership. If you are "just shopping" the list explains why there might not be a Prius to test drive, and makes a nice transition for the salesman to show you The Camry, Corolla, or some other product.

Bill Lumbergh · 08-14-2009, 11:19 AM

If your dealer has a waiting list, look somewhere else. Many dealers have cars in stock.

concertinajohnnyboy · 08-15-2009, 08:05 PM

I don't think this is just salesmanship. It is reality. Used car dealers are happy to receive Gen II Prius vehicles. And, the 2010 GEN III Prius models are proving very popular. Where is that Toyota dealership with 15 GEN III available?

08-14-2009, 09:55 AM	#1
blippo Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: VA Posts: 231 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: II Package: #2 Thanks: 10 Thanked 10 Times in 6 Posts Friends: 0	Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? I went by the dealer today to get my Tacoma inspected. They had 2, 2010 Prius on the lot. But I noticed they had a Display board posted near the entrance in the showroom displaying the waiting list with the people's names, salesman name and the the number of people waiting for their specific 2010 Prius they want. 18 of them. What is the purpose of the dealer for having this display posted on the showroom?

08-14-2009, 09:59 AM	#2
jay_man2 jay_man_also Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 1,249 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 58 Thanked 123 Times in 93 Posts Friends: 3	Re: Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? That's the way my dealer had it when I ordered mine against their allocation 9 weeks ago. I was maybe the 2nd name on the board, and ended up being the first to take delivery at that dealership. At that time they only had one on the lot as a demo unit, and would not sell that one, at least until another one arrived. I guess it's just to create the impression of high demand so they can sell at or near MSRP as long as possible. Last edited by jay_man2; 08-14-2009 at 10:02 AM.

08-14-2009, 10:00 AM	#3
TKY Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 218 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 10 Thanked 23 Times in 22 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? Blippo, Did you ask someone at the dealership? What did they say? --TK

08-14-2009, 10:51 AM	#6
Racedrvr Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Il/Ky Posts: 12 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: V Package: Navigation Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? Quite a while ago some Harley dealers had waiting lists. (The others charged over MSRP). There had been all kinds of accusations of favoritism and not following "the list". By making the list public it would help to quiet accusations of someone butting in line. It also has the effect of making people take notice of the supply/demand picture which helps the dealer justify the pricing policies.

08-14-2009, 11:14 AM	#8
The Electric Me Go Speed Go! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 400 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 36 Thanked 71 Times in 45 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? I would say the purpose of the list is at least two fold. Probably is a legitimate tool, for the uninformed that might come to the lot expecting their Prius to be sitting and waiting. Salesmen can point to the list and explain why they won't be satisfied that same day. Secondly, the impression or reality of demand, creates more demand. Consumers are often like sharks, if "everyone" is chomping on a certain product they swarm and circle. For the salesman and the dealerships the reality is the reality. They want to sell you a car. Illustrating demand doesn't hurt. If you REALLY want The Prius you get yourself on the list...a potential sale for the dealership. If you are "just shopping" the list explains why there might not be a Prius to test drive, and makes a nice transition for the salesman to show you The Camry, Corolla, or some other product. __________________ Full Electric Living to it's Fullest

08-14-2009, 11:19 AM	#9
Bill Lumbergh USAF Aircraft Maintainer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The 09836 area Posts: 533 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts Friends: 1	Re: Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? If your dealer has a waiting list, look somewhere else. Many dealers have cars in stock.

08-15-2009, 08:05 PM	#10
concertinajohnnyboy Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 84 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: V Package: Navigation Thanks: 15 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom? I don't think this is just salesmanship. It is reality. Used car dealers are happy to receive Gen II Prius vehicles. And, the 2010 GEN III Prius models are proving very popular. Where is that Toyota dealership with 15 GEN III available?

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